Improvement in machines for canceling stamps



W. H. BOWYER.

MACHINE FOR CANCELING'STAMPS.

Patented Aprilll, 1876.

' WITNESSES WM 45am 1 ATTOBIIEYS.

N-PETERS. PNDTO-LITNOGRAPMER. WASHINGTON, D C.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE;

WILLIAM H. BOWYER, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO JOHN J. RIDGWAY, JR, OF SAME PLACE.

IMPROVEMENT IN MACHINES FOR CANCELING STAMPS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 175,914, dated April 11, 1876; application filed March 13, 1876.

' the same.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

This invention relates to an improved machine for canceling and destroying postage or other stamps in a rapid and perfect manner; and theinvention consists ot'a revolving grinding-roller, to which the stamps are exposed for cancellation on a spring-acted board with a rubber feed -roller corresponding in length to the grindingroller.

In the drawing, A represents the grindingroller, which is made of suitable rough substance, and revolving in bearings of a table, B, in the nature of a sewing-machine table. The grindingroller A is rapidly revolved by means of a treadlc-acted'crankwheel, belt, and pulley connection, and the letters or other papers having postage or other stamps for cancellation and destruction are fed to the action of the grinder A on a small board, G, that is attached to the table B by a strong bandspring, D, at an angle of about forty'five degrees, more or less. The spring D forces the board with sufiicient pressure against the grinder to produce the grinding action of the same at the required point. The spring-acted board G is recessed and provided immediately underneath the grinder with a rubber roller,

E, of the samelength as the grinder. The rub bcr roller E does not rise above the surface of the board, and is intended to prevent the grinder from injuring the board when there are no letters or papers to be stamped on the 'eaneeling,and removing of letters is accomplished in a very rapid, reliable, and perfect manner.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patcut- A machine for canceling stamps, constructed of a revolving grinding-roller in connection with a spring-board having a rubber feedroller below the grinder, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

W. H., BOWYER. Witnesses CHARLES FRY, J. PARKER NORRIS. 

